Joan Hannington Husband: The Untold Story Behind the Diamond Queen’s Marriages

Introduction: Who Was Joan Hannington?

When people hear the name Joan Hannington, they often think of Britain’s most notorious female jewel thief, also known as the “Godmother” or “Diamond Queen” of crime. Yet, behind the glamorous heists and the millions in stolen gems, much of Joan’s story is tied to her personal relationships—especially with her husbands.

Understanding Joan Hannington husband stories is crucial to grasping how a troubled young woman transformed into one of the most daring criminals in UK history. Her marriages—to Ray Pavey and later to Ronald Thomas “Boisie” Hannington—shaped her journey, her choices, and ultimately her exit from the criminal underworld.

Joan Hannington’s Early Life and First Marriage

Born in 1953 in London, Joan’s early years were marked by instability and hardship. With a difficult childhood and little direction, she longed for security. That search for stability led her into her first marriage at just 17 years old.

This first union revealed much about the challenges she would face as a young wife and mother—and how it eventually pushed her deeper into a life of risk and survival.

Ray Pavey – The First Husband

Joan’s first husband was Ray Pavey, a convicted armed robber. Their relationship was turbulent from the beginning. Ray was significantly older than Joan, and his criminal past cast a long shadow over their lives together.

• They had a daughter named Debbie, but their family life was far from stable.

• Joan later described the marriage as unhappy and controlling.

• Eventually, their daughter was placed in foster care after the couple split.

While Ray Pavey played a smaller role in Joan’s long-term story, his influence pushed her further toward rebellion and independence. The collapse of this marriage set the stage for her next, far more impactful relationship.

Meeting Ronald Thomas “Boisie” Hannington

The most defining chapter in Joan’s love life began when she met Ronald Thomas Hannington, better known by his nickname Boisie.

They first crossed paths in a London pub, and Joan was immediately drawn to his charm and confidence. Boisie was 17 years older, a seasoned antiques dealer, and—unbeknownst to many—a man deeply involved in the criminal world.

Unlike Ray Pavey, Boisie didn’t just bring chaos into Joan’s life. Instead, he became her mentor, partner-in-crime, and eventually husband.

Joan Hannington and Boisie’s Marriage

In 1980, Joan and Boisie married at Acton Register Office. The marriage marked the beginning of a dangerous but profitable partnership.

Together, they built a family and a criminal empire:

• In 1987, their son Benny was born, bringing joy into their otherwise risky lifestyle.

• They lived lavishly, often using their illicit gains to fund a life of luxury.

For Joan, her marriage to Boisie was more than romantic—it was a business alliance. She learned tricks of the trade from him, ranging from credit fraud to elaborate jewel heists.

Their Life of Crime and Wealth

The union between Joan and her second husband became infamous in criminal circles. They perfected techniques that shocked law enforcement, such as:

• Diamond swallowing: Smuggling stolen gems by ingesting them.

• Switching techniques: Replacing real jewels with fakes during thefts.

• Fraudulent schemes: Insurance scams and check fraud.

The couple stored stolen treasures worth millions of pounds in deed boxes across banks. Their lifestyle combined luxury with constant risk, and their partnership earned Joan her reputation as the Diamond Queen.

Boisie’s Death and Its Impact on Joan

Tragedy struck in 1990 when Boisie died in a fire caused by an insurance scam gone wrong. Reports indicate that the blaze was accidental but linked to their fraudulent activities.

For Joan, this was the lowest point in her life:

• She lost not only her husband but also her partner-in-crime.

• The sudden absence of Boisie left her with both emotional and practical voids—she had to raise her young son Benny alone.

• The event forced Joan to reconsider her choices and the dangers of the criminal lifestyle.

Life After Boisie: A Turning Point

After Boisie’s death, Joan made a radical decision: she would leave behind her criminal past.

• She sold assets and cut ties with her old life.

• She focused on raising her son, aiming for stability.

• Eventually, she even wrote books about her experiences, becoming a published author and sharing her life story.

Her ability to transform after such a tumultuous period shows the complexity of her character.

Why Joan Hannington’s Husband Matters in Her Story

When people ask about Joan Hannington husband, they are really asking about the men who shaped her life’s trajectory.

• Ray Pavey introduced her to instability, abuse, and hardship.

• Boisie Hannington introduced her to the criminal world, luxury, and eventual tragedy.

Without understanding her marriages, it is impossible to fully understand Joan’s rise as Britain’s most notorious female jewel thief—or her later decision to walk away from it all.

FAQ: Joan Hannington Husband

1. Who was Joan Hannington’s first husband?

Her first husband was Ray Pavey, a convicted armed robber, with whom she had a daughter, Debbie.

2. Who was Ronald Thomas “Boisie” Hannington?

Boisie was Joan’s second husband—an antiques dealer and criminal mentor. They married in 1980 and had a son, Benny.

3. How did Boisie die?

Boisie died in 1990 in a fire caused by an insurance fraud scam gone wrong.

4. Did Joan leave crime after Boisie’s death?

Yes, his death was a turning point. Joan decided to give up crime and focus on raising her son.

5. Why is Joan Hannington called the “Diamond Queen”?

She earned the nickname because of her daring jewel thefts and reputation as one of the most skilled female thieves in UK history.

Conclusion

The story of Joan Hannington husband is not just about love and marriage—it’s about crime, loss, and transformation. Her first marriage to Ray Pavey brought instability, while her second marriage to Boisie Hannington created both incredible wealth and devastating tragedy.

Ultimately, Boisie’s death marked the end of her criminal career and the beginning of a new chapter. Joan’s husbands shaped her destiny, for better and worse, and understanding them is key to understanding her life.

If you found this article on Joan Hannington husband insightful, we’d love to hear your thoughts! 💬

• Have you watched the ITV drama Joan starring Sophie Turner?

• What do you think about Joan’s transformation after Boisie’s death?

👉 Share your opinions in the comments below, subscribe to our blog for more fascinating true-crime stories, and don’t forget to follow us for the latest updates on history, crime, and culture. Who is Sandi Toksvig Ex Husband? Full Story of Her Past Partner